Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel: Overview
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel
- Health Problems of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Health Problems of French Spaniel
- Which one drools more, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the French Spaniel
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the French Spaniel?
- Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
- Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
- Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the French Spaniel?
- Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed more than French Spaniels?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs. French Spaniel
- How Kid-friendly are Dandie Dinmont Terriers and French Spaniels?
- Does the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
- Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus French Spaniel: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and for the French Spaniel. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the French Spaniel
Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel: Overview
A very important difference between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the French Spaniel is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
On the other hand, the French Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dandie Dinmont Terrier to the French Spaniel based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
| Factor | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years. |
| Weight | 18 to 24 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds. |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches. |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $3875 – $4625 |
| Average Price | No Data | $4250 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the French Spaniel. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for a Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a French Spaniel is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the French Spaniel is a better pet than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. So, you should get the French Spaniel!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers weigh 18 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, French Spaniels weigh 45 to 60 pounds. when fully grown. French Spaniels are 21 to 24 inches. when fully grown.
Health Problems of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Health Problems of French Spaniel
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the French Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the French Spaniel than for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Dandie Dinmont Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the French Spaniel.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dandie Dinmont Terriers and in French Spaniels.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Problems
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dandie Dinmont Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Dandie Dinmont Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dandie Dinmont Terriers here.
French Spaniel Health Problems
French Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing French Spaniel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a French Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your French Spaniel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen French Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for French Spaniels here.
Which one drools more, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the French Spaniel
Dandie Dinmont Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
French Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel
Dandie Dinmont Terriers do not like to be left alone.
French Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the French Spaniel?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
French Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Easier to Train than the French Spaniel?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not easy to train.
French Spaniels are very easy to train.
Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers Bark and Howl? What about French Spaniels?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
French Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can French Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
French Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can French Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
French Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the French Spaniel?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.
French Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed more than French Spaniels?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed moderately.
French Spaniels shed moderately.
Wanderlust Potential: Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs. French Spaniel
Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
French Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the French Spaniel?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
French Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the French Spaniel?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
French Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.
How Kid-friendly are Dandie Dinmont Terriers and French Spaniels?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
French Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the French Spaniel?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
French Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers good family dogs? What about French Spaniels?
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
French Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the French Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the French Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the French Spaniel:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and how the French Spaniel compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and of the French Spaniel to other breeds:
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Aussiedoodle Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Ibizan Hound Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Barbet Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Pyredoodle Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Komondor Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus American Bulldog
French Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
French Spaniel versus Shiranian French Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier French Spaniel versus Boerboel French Spaniel versus Puggle French Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog French Spaniel versus Cocker Spaniel French Spaniel versus Curly-Coated Retriever French Spaniel versus Pomapoo French Spaniel versus German Pinscher French Spaniel versus Chi-Poo
Conclusion: Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus French Spaniel. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the French Spaniel better suits you and your family.